Thomas Fielden

Death of Mr Thomas Fielden

At 10 o'clock on Wednesday night, the death occurred of Mr Thomas Fielden JP of Birks House, Walsden, after several weeks illness. Deceased was highly respected and widely known. He was a salesman and partner in the firm of Messrs Robert Fielden & Sons, pickermakers of Inchfield, Walsden and was 66 years of age. He had been a member of the Todmorden Local Board and District Council for over 20 years, representing the Walsden ward and it was hoped by a large number of residents that he would be spared until the charter of incorporation of Todmorden arrived, so that he might be appointed the first mayor. At the time of his decease he was chairman of the district council and by virtue of that office, had a seat on the bench. He was a churchman and a Conservative, but he at no time took any prominent part in political matters. At various times he had fulfilled office in connection with Walsden church and was always a ready worker in any good cause for the welfare of the town. He was an energetic businessman and full of tact and far seeing ability. His loss will be keenly felt in the district and the place he leaves will be hard to fill

The Rochdale Observer of Wednesday 4 March 1896, reported

Funeral of the late Mr Thomas Fielden

On Monday morning, the remains of the late Mr Thomas Fielden JP of Inchfield Villa, Walsden were interred in the graveyard of St Peter's Church, Walsden in the presence of a large concourse of people. The funeral cortege left the house shortly after noon, the bearers being workmen in the employ of Messrs R. Fielden & Sons, pickermakers of Inchfield Fold, in which firm the deceased was a partner. Curtains were drawn and shutters closed all along the rout from the residence to the church where the service was conducted by Rev. J. R. Napier, vicar of the parish. The many beautiful wreaths which had been sent were placed in a special carriage. Several magistrates were present, and a number of gentleman who could not attend sent their carriages. Mr A. G. Eastwood solicitor, Mr Dan Sutcliffe, Clerk to the Todmorden District Council, as well as nearly all the members of the council, attended the funeral. Mr S. H. Hanson played the appropriate music on the organ. The undertakers were Messrs Fairbourn Brothers of Todmorden. Deceased was 66 years of age and leaves a widow and a grown up family. As chairman of the District Council he was a magistrate and at the police court on Monday morning a fitting reference was made to his death